Martha Argerich and Friends: Live from the Lugano Festival 2009

This is the seventh box in a row from the annual Lugano Festivals, and the quality shows no sign of decline. We get more or less what we have always had: from undisputable masterpieces to unknown works, mostly piano and strings (no woodwind), some piano four-hands (and even six-hands) and one concertante work. This year the music is predominantly Romantic, which gives this sequence a stronger sense of unity than before.

Martha Argerich’s portraits on the Lugano boxes show more and more gray hair with each passing year. But her fire burns as high as ever, and it’s catching. Her friends are like her battle companions – faithful, trusty. The 2009 box has its weaker places, yet it maintains the high level of preceding years - and, unfortunately, the same minimal documentation. If you already own some of these, feel confident to add another bead to this shiny necklace. If you don’t have them yet, and you like chamber music – don’t hesitate. This is a colorful collection of chamber music, off the beaten path, played with enthusiasm, devotion, and an electricity that sparkles in these live performances. It also in many cases has the technical brilliance of the best studio recordings. And some performances are just stunning. I can’t wait for the 2010 box!

“The delightful festival where youth meets experience and both benefit:,friends are the best music-makers.”

"Argerich doesn’t know how to be anodyne, a rarity in a world of countless executants but few musicians. Her "friends", younger than she, mostly blossom under her influence…” Gramophone

"The very high quality of the group of artists who gather in Lugano every year, the marvelous complicity between them and the public, the always varied and well thought out programs make this one the most interesting festivals of the european summer. For those who cannot be there in person, the EMI recodings provide a rewarding substitute."

Brand New /sealed 3CD Box